In the beginning, when creation unfolded at the hands of the great sages, led by Dharma himself, a profound process set the cosmos into motion. Yet, as all things emerged, the Creator became enveloped in a shroud of darkness—a measure so deep that sorrow struck Him. From His sons, too, another veil of darkness arose, compounding the obscurity. At that moment, the Creator’s manifestation was hindered, as if by the very force of choice itself. In response, He divided His own body in two, assuming the form of a man with only half of himself. From this division, the very nature that bears all beings—the creative power born of desire—was brought forth by the Lord. This was the former body of Brahma, remaining above, covering the heavens. The goddess thus created, the very embodiment of creative energy, undertook severe austerities. For countless years, she performed the most difficult penances, striving with unwavering resolve. The Lord, Svayambhu, the self-born origin, became known as Manu—the first man. Manu, born without a mother’s womb, obtained as his wife Shatarupa, she of a hundred forms. Their union marked the very dawn of the kalpa, the cosmic cycle. Manu, the sovereign with myriad forms, is remembered as the son of Virāj. From Virāj, who arose from the Puruṣa, the heroic Shatarūpā herself was born. From this divine couple came two daughters of great fortune, from whom all beings would eventually descend. Svāyambhuva, the lord, gave one daughter, Prasūti, in marriage to Dakṣa. In his other daughter, Ākūti, a virtuous pair was born to the mind-born sage Ruci. And from Dakṣiṇā, twelve sons were born to Yajña. These sons of Yama, who are also the sons of Yajña, became known as the Yāmās—those who first moved about, the dwellers of heaven. From Prasūti, Dakṣa begot twenty-four daughters, all of whom became devoted wives and mothers of yoga. Among them were Śraddhā, Lakṣmī, Dhṛti, Tuṣṭi, Puṣṭi, Medhā, and Kriyā. Dharma, the lord, accepted several of Dakṣa’s daughters as his wives, while the remaining eleven, youthful and fair-eyed, were given in marriage to other great beings: Sannati, Anasūyā, Ūrjā, Svāhā, and Svadhā. To these illustrious daughters, Dakṣa gave husbands worthy of their virtues. Rudra, Bhṛgu, Marīci, Aṅgirā, Pulaha, and Kratu each received a wife. Satī was given to Bhava, Khyāti to Bhṛgu, Prīti to Pulastya, and Kṣamā to Pulaha. Energy was bestowed upon Vasiṣṭha, and Svāhā was offered to Agni, the fire god. All these noble ones, the progeny of Dakṣa, followed their destined paths and became established in the world. From these unions arose further creation: Śraddhā gave birth to desire; pride became the son of Lakṣmī; gain was born of Puṣṭi; and from Medhā came knowledge and learning. Intellect gave rise to understanding, vigilance, and awareness. Tranquility bore welfare, and from accomplishment came happiness. From desire, joy was born, and from the goddess Siddhi, fulfillment. Yet, from unrighteousness arose violence, deceit, and falsehood. From these, Māyā and pain came into being as pairs. Pain gave rise to suffering, which originated from Raurava, the place of torment. All these are remembered as the followers of suffering, marked by unrighteousness. Thus, this creation of darkness came into being—yet even this was governed by dharma, the cosmic order, ensuring that all things moved according to the divine law.